Sleep is absolutely vital to overall health but it’s easy to get behind on your hours. Here are 9 signs that you are not getting enough sleep, and your body is telling you to prioritize rest.
1. You’re waking up tired.
If you open your eyes in the morning and feel exhausted, that means you’re either not getting enough sleep, or your sleep quality is compromised. This could be due to stress, alcohol consumption, illness, poor diet, etc.
When you wake up in the morning, you should feel refreshed and revitalized. When you are struggling with sleep deprivation, you will feel the opposite.
2. You’re feeling irritable.
Another classic sign that you’re not getting enough sleep is irritability. Are you feeling moodier than usual? Lacking patience? Getting easily agitated? That may be a sign to focus on your sleep health because in turn, it will positively impact your mental health.
3. Your skin is suffering.
When you don’t get enough sleep, this can increase your cortisol levels, which can lead to inflammation. Skin inflammation can show up in different ways, such as breakouts, sensitivity, redness, dark circles, and more.
Our skin is our largest organ, so it’s so important to treat it with care, and that includes drinking plenty of water, using natural skincare products, and of course, getting enough sleep!
4. You’re anxious.
Anxiety can creep up even when we have a great night’s sleep, but you’ll notice an increase in anxiety when you’re tired. Your body and mind are stressed!
We understand that sometimes it’s the anxiety that causes sleep issues, such as insomnia. If you feel this is you, we recommend consulting with a mental health professional to discuss how you feel and what lifestyle changes can make a difference.
5. Your reaction time is slower.
If you notice you are physically slower and your cognitive abilities have been impacted, this could be a sign that you are not getting enough quality sleep. It is dangerous if you are driving, since falling asleep at the wheel leads to about 100,000 car crashes every year in the United States. Please do not drive on little sleep for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
6. You can’t concentrate.
Reading the same sentence over and over again? Can’t focus? This may be a sign that you’re burned out and need more sleep. The unhealthy way to manage this is with more caffeine, but really you should consider creating a relaxing nighttime routine that will promote restful sleep.
7. You’re dependent on caffeine.
We all know the power of coffee and how it motivates you to start your day. However, if the only way you can feel refreshed in the morning is through two, three, four cups of coffee…that may be a problem. There’s nothing wrong with consuming caffeine, but if you cannot function without copious amounts, you may want to evaluate your sleep habits and if this is a symptom of a greater issue of not getting enough zzz’s.
8. You’re more forgetful.
It’s normal to forget something on your grocery list or that your clothes are still sitting in the dryer. However, if you are noticing on a regular basis that you are becoming more and more forgetful, ask yourself if you are getting enough sleep. You may be sleep deprived.
9. You’re gaining weight unintentionally.
Gaining weight can be a healthy thing depending on your current weight, exercise regime, medical situation, etc. Gaining weight is NOT bad! But gaining weight unintentionally when your body is not positively benefiting from the extra pounds should make you wonder what in your life has changed that is leading to the weight gain. It may be a lack of sleep.
When we don’t get enough sleep, our body can have more unhealthy food cravings that can be high in saturated fats, carbs, and artificial sweeteners. We search for quick food fixes (like microwave meals or take out), and comfort foods (like gooey mac and cheese and french fries). While it may feel satisfying in the moment, eating unhealthy food for a long period of time can cause havoc to our digestive system and energy levels.
What is the treatment?
Okay, we aren’t doctors, so we can’t diagnose and treat your sleep problems. However, something we find helps is to have a nighttime routine and a relaxing, cozy space that aids in winding down the body and mind. Part of this space should be organic, comfortable bedding.
If you are a slide sleeper who is tossing and turning at night, we recommend adding an organic body pillow to your sleep routine. This one is our favorite.
If your mattress is no longer supporting you, we recommend choosing a customizable latex mattress.
We hope that you prioritize sleep in whatever way you can! Sweet dreams!
